3-reel Slots
Slots with three spinning reels were the most familiar games you could find in an online casino up till a few years ago. Most classic slots are designed on this type of layout modelled on the one-armed bandits found in brick-and-mortar casinos, and their straightforward rules make them ever so popular amongst players.
History of 3-reel slots
The first physical slot machine dates back to 1891 and was composed of five mechanical drums and 50 playing cards. Playing it was simple - all a player was required to do is pull a lever to spin the drums, and if three identical symbols appeared in the middle row (the only payline), the player won. The first one-armed bandits didn't pay out cash, but you could win a cigar or a beverage at the bars they were located in. Such slot machines were the only ones you could find for many years, until years later, when Charles Augustus Fey invented the first slot with automatic payouts thanks to technological advancements. Reels replaced drums, and symbols took over the playing cards. Players could insert coins, and cash prizes were paid out automatically.
Consequently, the 1990s saw the first online casinos being launched and video slots started being designed on the basis of traditional slot machines. The classic 3-reel slots were, in fact, the first type of slots players could find in many online casinos and remain popular today.
How is a 3-reel slot machine constructed?
3-reel slots fundamentally consist of three spinning reels with various symbols on them. In the case of classic slots, reels used to stop in such a way that only three symbols were visible on the screen. If the symbols were identical, the player won a prize. More modern 3-reel slots embody three rows and several paylines, with the most classic slot design being three reels, three rows and 10 paylines. An excellent example of such a slot is Ultra Hot Deluxe.
Next to the reels, players can often see a paytable outlining all the possible payouts, and under the reels, there's a control panel where players can set their bets and spin the reels. While the classic 3-reel slots offer very straightforward gameplay, online casinos also offer more complex 3-reel slots with various bonus features.
Bonus features in 3-reel slots
In an endeavour to make slots more exciting, game producers introduce various bonus features to allow players to win more if they're lucky. Here are some popular extra features commonly found in 3-reel slots:
Slot machines may feature many other extra features, e.g. cascading reels, expanding wilds, sticky wilds and re-spins giving a player extra winning chances. Before you start playing, it's always a good idea to read the instructions of a given slot machine to familiarise yourself with all the features.
Free demo 3-reel slots
Since 3-reel slots are straightforward games, they are highly recommended for beginners. New players who are just starting their adventure with slot machines can choose to play just for fun without taking any financial risks. Great online casinos such as LV BET, enable players to select an exciting slot, select the demo mode, and play with virtual coins, rather than betting real money. You can play risk-free and take advantage of this option by exploring how a given slot machine works. Depending on your jurisdiction, you may be asked to register and complete the verification process to access the DEMOs. In cases where verification is not necessary, you may be able to play casino games as a visitor.
3-reel slot payouts
Let's say a few words about the payouts different symbol combinations offer. How much you possibly win depends on your stake amount and the values of the symbols landing on a payline. You can check out the payouts in the paytable found in the information section of each 3-reel slot. Every possible symbol combination has an assigned win multiplier.
For example, three lucky sevens landing adjacent to each other on a payline may have a x1,000 multiplier, since they're regarded as valuable symbols. If a slot has five paylines and a player wagers 10 coins, the stake for each line would be two coins. Thus, the payout will be 2 * 1,000 - 2,000 coins.
Classic 3-reel slots
Over the last few years, we've seen many entertaining 3-reel slots being launched. They're usually fruit-themed slots composed of fruit, bell, star, lucky seven and 'Bar' symbols - inspired by the same symbols you could find in the original one-armed bandits created in the 1890s. Here are the top 10 3-reel slots which enjoy the greatest popularity:
At LV BET and other great casinos, players can find as many as several hundred different 3-reel slot machines, and the repertoire of classic 3-reel slots is still growing, so it won't be hard finding a slot that meets your expectations.
How do you play an online 3-reel slot?
Playing 3-reel slots shouldn't be difficult for players to grasp. First, you need to select the cost per spin, and as soon as you make your bet, you spin the reels by clicking on the 'Spin' button. In the control panel under the reels, you'll also find the auto-spin mode option and a button where you can set your coin value. After a winning spin, the Gamble and Collect buttons may be activated. If you click on the 'Gamble' button, you can be in with a chance of doubling your win, or risk losing it all, while if you click on 'Collect', your win is transferred immediately to your account.
Playing classic 3-reel slots is very straightforward, but you should check out the paytable and the game instructions accompanying each slot before you start playing. This is especially important in case of games with multiple bonus features.
Bonuses and casino promotions available in 3-reel slots
Slot enthusiasts may count on exciting promotions when playing at an online casino. LV BET casino, for instance, offers a wide range of exciting bonuses to its customers, including a fascinating welcome bonus, reload bonuses, a loyalty program and intriguing tournaments. Thanks to these casino promotions, players can enjoy their favourite 3-reel slots for longer.
✅ What are 3-reel slots?
3-reel slots are slot machines composed of three spinning reels with symbols, including between one and 10 paylines on which players can land winning combinations. It's a classic design inspired by the original one-armed bandits.
✅ Is it possible to win in 3-reel slots?
You can win on any 3-reel slot if you're lucky enough to land a winning sequence. How much you win will then depend on the size of your stake and the win multipliers associated with the symbols you land.
✅ Which are the most popular 3-reel slots?
In good online casinos, players will find as many as a few hundred 3-reel slots. Some of the most popular ones are Fire Joker, Triple Diamond, Always Hot, Ultra Hot Deluxe, Jackpot 6000, Mystery Joker, Wild Times, Juicy Fruits and Fibonacci.
✅ Is it possible to play 3-reel slots for free?
Yes, you can play the free demo versions using virtual coins instead of real money. Although you can't enjoy real wins, you can play for fun, eliminating the risk of losing any funds.
✅ Where can I find popular classic slots?
LV BET online casino offers the best selection of 3-reel slots. Its portfolio includes at least a few hundred such games, and you can even count on attractive bonuses while playing these slots.